NRA Personal Protection Courses
Train with Confidence.
Train with Confidence.
Safe gun handling
Shooting accurate groups
Zeroing your firearm
Basic firearm maintenance and cleaning
Accepted proof of experience includes:
NRA Basic Pistol Course Certificate
NRA FIRST Steps Course Certificate
NRA Pistol Competitive Shooting Qualification Card
Military DD 214 with pistol qualification
Passing the Pre-Course Assessment
Topics Covered:
Fundamentals of Defensive Shooting:
Learn basic defensive shooting techniques to respond effectively under pressure.
Home Defense Strategies:
Understand how to plan and prepare for a potential violent confrontation in your home.
Legal Aspects of Self-Defense:
Explore firearm laws and self-defense legalities. (Lesson III is taught by a licensed attorney, qualified law enforcement officer, or a state-certified legal instructor.)
Choosing a Handgun for Self-Defense:
Discover how to select a handgun that suits your personal protection needs and lifestyle.
Maintaining and Advancing Your Skills:
Get guidance on ongoing training opportunities and marksmanship development.
Included Materials:
NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection In The Home
NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
Official course completion certificate
Prerequisite:
This course is for adult individuals who:
Are not prohibited from possessing a firearm under applicable laws
Are of good repute
Possess defensive pistol skills from the NRA Basics of Personal Protection In The Home Course
Understand legal concepts related to the use of firearms in self-defense
Observe general and defensive-specific gun safety principles
Proof of eligibility includes:
NRA Personal Protection In The Home Course Certificate, or
Passing a pre-course evaluation
Course Structure:
Level One (9 hours):
Learn essential knowledge and skills for carrying, storing, and using a firearm safely outside the home
Includes several hours of live fire training (approx. 100 rounds)
Level Two (Optional – 5 additional hours):
Advanced shooting skills on the range
Approx. 115 additional rounds of ammunition
Time and round counts are minimums and may be exceeded
Course Materials & Certification:
NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook
NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
Course completion certificate(s) for Level One and Level Two (as applicable)
Legal Instruction (Lesson III):
The section on Firearms and the Law, and Legal Aspects of Self-Defense is taught by:
A licensed attorney in the state
A law enforcement officer with intermediate or higher POST certification
A state-certified legal instructor (if also NRA Certified Instructor, they must teach this section in their legal capacity only)